The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-08-25
HIS RANCH on DISMAL CREEK.
How Charley Parker, the Cowboy Robber,
Set Up as a Married Man.

How Charley Parker. the Cowboy Robber,
Set Up Married Man.
North Platte Neb.l Special to Chicago Herald.
Charley Parker, the cowboy who robbed pay
master Bash of 81, 800 at Antelope Springs, and
whose exciting capture has been described In the
Herald was employed on various ranches in this
section before be was suspected b. the authori-
ties. He came here probably with the idea that
his friends would assist him in resisting the Of
fcers. in case he was located, but he also seems
to have had an ambition to shine as a solid man.
He had plenty of money and when, entering
Logan county In June he announced that he
wanted TO purchase a ranch. there Were plenty
of offers. Like the majority of the cowboys he
had left sweetheart down East" and he had
his existence was to marry the maiden of his
choice. settle down, cease rowing and lead a
quiet, peaceful and useful life. The bold high
way roboer thinks rapidly and with great
alacrity In less than two weeks after he had
purchased the farm handsome blonde aged
about eighteen. arrived the Parker ranch
bright and early morning. That evening
the twain were made one by the Justice
of the peace who presided affairs ju-
dicial in that community. The neighbors as
sert that the fugitive idoliZed his wife, and that
she deserved MS homage. After living happily
for about a month Parker concluded that the
shanties which had been erected upon his claim
unsuited to citizen in afiuent crcun-
stances. and conceived the idea of building
magnificent cottage with all modern improve
After forming this resolution he visited North
Platte. the nearest railway station, frequently,
and these trips he contracted for large guam
titles of lumber. brick, costly furniture, etc
He spent money freely and always seemed to
have an unlimited amount of cash about his
person. Parker could never understand the
utility of banks. and would not patronize those
institutions The criminal was not particularly
careful to conceal his identity, and. although he
was known to strangers as James Harris,
number OF people in North Platte called him
Parker. He was warned upon numerous occa-
sions that he would certainly be detected if he
continued exhibit himself openly. Parker
always replied to the advice of his friends that
he was perfectly able take care of himself,
and that any officer VINO desired arrest him
need not necessarily be eagle eyed detective
in order to discover him. He invariably termi-
mated his Boosting speeches with the remark
that no twenty men could capture him in town,
and that a company of soldiers would experience
a great deal of trouble in taking him from his
ranch on the Dismal"
1t was Parkers implicit confidence in the men
who surrounded him that led to his arrest. At
times he fiippantly referred to his escapade with
Major Bash and jokngly twitted his compan-
ions on their inability to- realize money in sim
liar manner. Finally the sheriff of Logan county
determined to secure the large reward which he
assured would be paid for the arrest OF Par
ker. The officer ambushed the hiehwayman,
and succeeded In capturing him as has been de-
scribed. When Parker realized that he
trapped he alternately begged and threatened
but without avail. 1t is not thought that the
authorities will have much trouble IN convlcting
him